Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that b...

Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

Ruthin School

Founded in 1284, Ruthin School is one of the oldest independent schools in the UK and combines a rich history with a modern and (1) ____________.

About Us

Ruthin is a selective co-educational day and boarding school, (2) ____________ home to around 210 students from across the UK and more than 30 nationalities worldwide. Here at Ruthin, we offer small class sizes and personalised teaching, while encouraging our students (3) ____________ intellectual curiosity, resilience and independence. As a result, our students (4) ____________ achieve excellent results.

Why Choose Ruthin?

Ruthin School has a long tradition of academic strength, with results that place it among the strongest small independent schools in the UK. Students progress to leading universities, (5) ____________ Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.

The school maintains high academic standards but is also very friendly and welcoming, making it well-suited to motivated students who enjoy a strong (6) ____________ of community.

(Adapted from www.topschoolguide.com)

Question 1: 

A. academically education rigorous
B. education academically rigorous

C. academically rigorous education
D. education rigorous academically

Question 2:
A. an
B. a
C. Ø (no article)
D. the

Question 3:
A. developed
B. develop
C. developing
D. to develop

Question 4:
A. consistently
B. consist
C. consistency
D. consistent

Question 5:
A. be included
B. included
C. that are included
D. including

Question 6:
A. sense
B. smell
C. taste
D. touch

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Question 13: 

A.  Henry: I still don’t think I fully understand the concept of “teamwork skills” that we learned about in class.

B.  Henry: Oh, I see. Thanks a lot for your explanation!

C.  Jane: Well, it basically means working well with other people to get things done.

A. c – a – b
B. a – c – b
C. a – b – c
D. b – a – c

Question 14:

A.  Frank: No problem. So, do you feel like studying tomorrow for our math exam?

B.  Linda: Hey! How did your physics exam go?

C.  Linda: Oh, it went really well – thanks to your help!

D.  Linda: Yeah, sure! Come over around 10:00, after breakfast.

e. Frank: Not bad, thanks. I’m just glad it’s over! How about you? How did your presentation go?

A. b – a – c – e – d
B. c – a – d – e – b
C. b – e – c – a – d
D. d – e – b – a – c

Question 15: 

Dear Hiring Manager,

A. I am writing to apply for the Tour Guide position advertised on your website.

B. My experience during this period includes leading both domestic and international tours, along with a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service.

C. These achievements reflect my strong interpersonal and communication skills.

D. Having worked in the tourism industry for over five years, I am confident in my ability to contribute positively to your team.

e. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to your response. Yours faithfully,

A. a – d – b – c – e
B. a – b – c – d – e
C. a – d – c – b – e
D. a – b – d – c – e

Question 16: 

A. For me, though, karaoke is about expressing your feelings through the song.

B. As winning at karaoke depends largely on the songs you sing, you have to be strategic and choose ones that show off your range.

C. While I’m not good at communicating my inner thoughts, I can do that through other people’s lyrics.

D. In these events, you are evaluated on your vocal skills, delivery of the song, and mastery of the stage.

e. We all know karaoke as a fun activity to enjoy with friends on a night out, but competitive karaoke is all around us – take popular singing contests, for example.

A. b – e – d – a – c
B. b – e – a – c – d
C. e – d – b – a – c
D. e – b – d – c – a

Question 17: 

A. The result is devastating habitat and biodiversity loss on the island, but not all species are suffering.

B. Madagascar’s forests are being converted to agricultural land at a rate of one percent every year, a shift fueled by the cultivation of the country’s main staple crop: rice.

C. There are few places in the world where relations between agriculture and conservation are more strained.

D. A key reason for this destruction is that insect pests are destroying vast quantities of what is grown by local subsistence farmers, leading them to clear forest to create new paddy fields.

e. In fact, some of the island’s insect-eating bats are currently thriving and this has important implications for farmers and conservationists alike.

A. c – d – b – a – e
B. c – b – d – a – e
C. b – a – d – c – e
D. b – d – a – c – e

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

LESSONS FROM ELON MUSK’S LIFE STORY

        Like that of many successful icons, (18) ____________. His life story is as unpredictable as his character, entwined with surprisingly relatable moments, and darkened by exceptionally harsh experiences.

        At first glance, Elon Musk seems as if he were simply born to be amazing. However, his beginnings were not reminiscent of a billionaire entrepreneur. His childhood bullies were not amazed by his unique vision, (19) ____________. Elon Musk wasn’t born into greatness at all; he fought his way to it.

        Musk’s success demonstrates that sometimes success comes from learning from your failures and (20) ____________ in your abilities. His drive and perseverance are powerful reminders of how far we can truly go when we don’t let our shortcomings interfere with our goals. (21) ____________, but we all have the potential to follow our dreams and achieve so much more than we believe we are capable of.

        Work, hardships, and challenges are companions in every journey to success. Faced with these obstacles throughout his journey, Elon Musk reminds us that “When something is important enough, you do it, (22) ____________.”

(Adapted from www.goalcast.com/elon-musk-life-story)

Question 18: 

A. the birth of Elon Musk did not begin his rise to stardom

B. Elon Musk’s rise to stardom did not begin at birth

C. the rise to stardom did not begin at Elon Musk’s birth

D. Elon Musk did not begin to rise to stardom at birth

Question 19: 

A. nor did his most groundbreaking ideas happen overnight

B. neither his most groundbreaking ideas happened overnight

C. either did his most groundbreaking ideas happen overnight

D. his most groundbreaking ideas didn’t happen overnight too

Question 20: 

A. that you must always move forward with a strong belief

B. strongly believing that you must always move forward

C. you must always have a strong belief to move forward

D. which always move you forward with a strong belief

Question 21: 

A. On the contrary, many of us lack the natural talent or even motivation to build billion-dollar companies

B. The natural talent or even motivation to build billion-dollar companies is what none of us have

C. Granted, not all of us have the natural talent or even motivation to build billion-dollar companies

D. The natural talent or even motivation to build billion-dollar companies is possessed by quite a few of us

Question 22: 

A. as if the odds aren’t in your favor
B. even if your favor isn’t in the odds

C. even if the odds aren’t in your favor
D. as if your favor isn’t in the odds

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Huge Drop in African Elephants

        African elephants are Earth’s largest land animals. They are very intelligent and highly social creatures. A recent study, however, reveals that populations of African elephants have sharply decreased over the past fifty years.

        The researchers described their work as the most comprehensive study of the two African elephant species – the savanna elephant and forest elephant. Using data gathered at 475 areas in 37 countries from 1964 through 2016, the study found that savanna elephant populations fell by about 70 percent on average and forest elephant populations dropped by about 90 percent on average. The researchers mainly attributed the decline to illegal hunting and the loss of the animals’ natural habitat.

        The illegal hunting and killing of elephants for their tusks continues unabated, as poachers profit heavily from the black-market ivory trade, particularly in China and other parts of Asia, where demand for this commodity remains strong. Poaching has taken a toll on forest elephants – whose population is estimated to be about one-third that of savanna elephants – with the damage being especially acute in northern and eastern Africa, including Mali, Chad, and Nigeria.

        The study also identified agricultural expansion as a major cause of habitat loss, with more and more natural land being cleared for farming and human settlement. This growing pressure further threatens elephant populations that are already weakened by poaching. George Wittemyer, a Colorado State University professor and researcher with Save the Elephants who helped lead the study, warned that many lost populations are unlikely to return, while others that survive in low numbers continue to face serious risks. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that further population losses are likely in the future.

(Adapted from learningenglish.voanews.com)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of the decline in African elephant populations?

A. habitat loss
B. climate change
C. agricultural expansion
D. illegal hunting

Question 24: The word “attributed” in paragraph 2 most nearly means ____________.

A. caused
B. linked
C. proved
D. showed

Question 25: The phrase “this commodity” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. ivory
B. poaching
C. trade
D. black market

Question 26: The word “acute” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. brief
B. mild
C. noticeable
D. significant

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Ongoing destruction of elephant habitat puts additional strain on populations already severely affected by poaching.

B. Poaching has reduced elephant numbers, and continued habitat loss is forcing the survivors into human settlements.

C. The loss of habitat is encouraging more poaching, which is placing increasing pressure on elephant populations.

D. The expansion of agriculture and human settlement, along with poaching, continues to threaten elephant populations.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Savanna elephant populations declined by about 90 percent on average.

B. The ivory trade is legal in most Asian markets.

C. Forest elephants now outnumber savanna elephants in many parts of Africa.

D. The expansion of agriculture is a major cause of elephant habitat loss.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention statistical evidence from research?

A. Paragraph 2
B. Paragraph 3
C. Paragraph 4
D. Paragraph 1

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer discuss possible future consequences for elephants?

A. Paragraph 3
B. Paragraph 2
C. Paragraph 1
D. Paragraph 4

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

Getting Into the Flow

        [I] The psychological concept of “flow” describes a joyful state where an individual becomes completely immersed in a challenging but manageable activity. [II] First developed by Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the concept was initially based on observations of artists who displayed intense focus during their creative work. [III] Ultimately, experiencing flow in leisure and professional pursuits significantly enhances positive emotions, overall performance, and commitment to meaningful long-term goals. [IV]

        Achieving flow requires specific conditions, primarily characterized by a complete loss of reflective self-consciousness. The activity must be voluntary, intrinsically motivating, and must provide clear goals with immediate feedback. Csikszentmihalyi identified six main factors of flow, including intense concentration on the present moment, a strong sense of personal control, and a distorted perception of time. Regularly experiencing these elements correlates strongly with increased psychological well-being, higher self-esteem, and improved concentration.

        To scientifically measure this optimal state, Csikszentmihalyi and Robert Larson developed the experience sampling method (ESM). Subjects received random beeper alerts prompting them to immediately record their current activities and emotional states. Over time, this data revealed distinct behavioral patterns regarding human happiness. Notably, results demonstrated that individuals reported higher happiness levels after participating in active hobbies or social events compared to passive activities like watching television.

        Studies focusing on teenagers highlight significant differences between “high-flow” and “low-flow” individuals. High-flow teenagers spend considerably more time on active leisure, resulting in higher self-esteem, better social relationships, and greater academic success. Conversely, a preference for low-flow activities like television can unfortunately contribute to lower self-esteem and depression. Despite the immense long-term benefits, people habitually choose low-flow activities because achieving flow requires much more initial motivation, mental effort, and skill.

         Recent research demonstrates that the benefits of flow extend globally, with similar findings replicated in countries like Italy and India. Beyond youth studies, modern psychology has expanded flow applications into professional and educational environments. In workplaces, balancing enjoyment, interest, and absorption dramatically increases employee productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Similarly, educators who frequently experience flow are better able to draw on their personal resources, ultimately creating much richer learning environments for their students.

(Adapted from www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness)

Question 31: Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

These individuals often lost track of time and ignored basic needs like food or sleep while working.

A. [I]
B. [III]
C. [IV]
D. [II]

Question 32: The reference to artists in paragraph 1 primarily serves to ____________.

A. illustrate that flow is psychologically challenging but manageable

B. provide an early example of a characteristic associated with flow

C. explain the research method Csikszentmihalyi used to study flow

D. argue that flow is most commonly found in creative professions

Question 33: According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT a characteristic or condition of flow?

A. A strong sense of personal control over the task

B. A less than accurate idea about the passage of time

C. Immediate feedback on the individual’s progress

D. A high level of physical strength and endurance

Question 34: The word “optimal” in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to ____________.

A. typical
B. positive
C. suitable
D. ideal

Question 35: The word “them” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. activities
B. alerts
C. states
D. subjects

Question 36: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 4?

A. Low-flow activities are directly responsible for the increasing rates of depression and low self-esteem among teenagers.

B. High-flow activities require significant mental effort, making them less popular among teenagers than low-flow activities.

C. While high-flow activities demand initial effort, they yield far better psychological and academic outcomes for teenagers.

D. Teenagers generally prefer passive activities like watching television despite the negative impacts on their mental health.

Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 5?

A. Balancing enjoyment, interest, and absorption at work requires creative employees to improve their productivity and well-being.

B. Engaged employees who find their work enjoyable and interesting are more likely to experience greater workplace well-being.

C. Only by independently improving overall productivity and creativity can employees actually achieve enjoyment and absorption.

D. Achieving a combination of enjoyment, interest, and deep engagement at work significantly enhances workers’ output and health.

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Experiencing flow at work tends to raise productivity at the cost of creativity and well-being.

B. Many still prefer low-flow activities since they require less effort and motivation at the outset.

C. Evidence for the benefits of flow remains largely limited to artistic settings and adolescent populations.

D. The ESM relied mainly on participants’ later reflections on how they had felt during the day.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Creating conditions that support flow could be an effective strategy for educational institutions.

B. Because flow is more common in artists, this group stands to benefit more from it than others do.

C. Passive leisure is less beneficial than active leisure, but schools should not try to reduce it.

D. Flow depends more on task difficulty than on motivation, goals, or feedback.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. Low-flow activities like watching television are widely popular and ultimately lead to higher self-esteem compared to high-flow activities that demand advanced skills.

B. Extensive research by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi demonstrates that engaging in challenging tasks directly promises academic success and wealth for global citizens.

C. A deeply absorbing psychological state that supports well-being and performance across many fields of human endeavor, flow usually requires active engagement.

D. The concept of flow, initially discovered by observing artists, has now become an essential psychological framework for explaining why individuals prefer passive entertainment.